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BOOK OF HOURS

Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2023

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Quick resume

Restore a crumbling occult library by a winter sea. Build the world’s foremost collection of grimoires and arcana. Master the invisible arts. BOOK OF HOURS is a narrative crafting RPG set in a 1930s world of hidden gods and secret histories. What sort of Librarian will you choose to be?

Global score

89/100

Genres

Indie, Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Puzzle

Pros

  • Deep, immersive lore and worldbuilding
  • Relaxed, cozy atmosphere
  • Engaging crafting and experimentation
  • Rich narrative and exploration
  • High replayability and player freedom

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and opaque mechanics
  • Clunky ui and navigation issues
  • Tedious note-taking required
  • Repetitive late-game progression
  • Lack of in-game organization tools

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to experiment, choose their own pace, and explore the library and lore without forced routines or time pressure."

  • Competence
    3

    "The game requires mastering complex mechanics, crafting, and puzzle solving, rewarding skillful experimentation and knowledge acquisition."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on personal discovery and pacing without competitive elements or comparison to others."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Many players report long sessions and habitual play due to addictive lore, exploration, and progression."

  • Cooperation
    -3

    "Gameplay is primarily single-player and self-directed with minimal social or cooperative interaction."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Players engage in extensive crafting, organizing, and experimenting with books and items, fostering creative problem solving."

  • Domination
    -5

    "Interactions are balanced and respectful; no evidence of exerting control or superiority over others."

  • Escapism
    5

    "Strongly serves as a cozy, immersive escape into a mysterious occult world, away from real-life stress."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and curiosity, with no pressure or obligation."

  • Experimenting
    5

    "Core gameplay revolves around trial, error, and discovery of new combinations and mechanics."

  • Exploration
    5

    "Players uncover new rooms, secrets, and lore fragments in a large, mysterious mansion."

  • Expression
    3

    "Players customize and organize their library and collections, expressing personal style in arranging books and rooms."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Set in an occult, mystical world with arcane lore and supernatural elements, evoking imaginative fiction."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Primarily a solo experience with minimal social or community engagement within gameplay."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop skills, knowledge, and understanding through reading, crafting, and experimentation."

  • Health
    -4

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related mechanics."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention and active management rather than background or idle play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Limited social interactions; relationships are minimal and surface-level."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or authoritative roles; gameplay is self-directed without managing others."

  • Progression
    5

    "Strong emphasis on acquiring books, skills, and unlocking new areas and endings."

  • Relaxation
    4

    "Generally described as cozy, meditative, and relaxing despite some complexity."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Enjoyable art, sound design, and atmospheric effects provide sensory pleasure."

  • Status
    -4

    "No social recognition or status systems; focus is on personal achievement."

  • Story
    4

    "Rich lore and narrative fragments encourage immersion and piecing together the story."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Requires planning, problem solving, and logical thinking to progress and optimize."

  • Thrill
    -3

    "Lacks suspense or risk; gameplay is calm and controlled."

  • Value
    4

    "Players find great value in the deep lore, replayability, and immersive experience."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No combat or destruction; gameplay centers on constructive activities like cataloging and crafting."

  • Survival
    -4

    "No threat of failure or death; stable, low-risk environment."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026